CHAPTER 5: SIGNIFICANT THEMES 2018 AMB The 2018 AMB noted some positive developments, which included improved mobile service coverage, the growth of online media, and training opportunities for journalists. However, the AMB also indicated that state authorities continued to maintain a firm hold on the media, that the media were becoming polarised rather than pluralistic, working conditions and salaries of journalists remained precarious, and a new intelligence law, Law No. 2015-07 of 20-03-2015 on the Code of Information and Communication, as well as Law No. 2017-20 of April 20, 2018 on the Digital Code, threatened freedom of expression. It recommended advocacy to push bills for laws relating to the media, which were pending and the removal of provisions and laws that limit freedom of expression. 2021 AMB This AMB resonated with the 2018 AMB in highlighting positive improvements in journalists’ training availability, mobile internet penetration, and coverage of emerging issues such as climate change, agriculture, entrepreneurship, violent extremism and gender. Furthermore, it noted developments in specialised journalism and the increased presence of women in decision-making positions (a significant milestone compared to preceding AMBs). However, these were juxtaposed with negative developments, such as the high cost of the internet, the prevalence of restrictive laws and decisions, decreased media funding, increased fake news in the media and attacks on freedom of the press. In addition to traditional threats to freedom of expression, these emergent issues (such as fake news and reduced media funding) were equally destructive. In light of these challenges, this AMB recommended workshops for exploring possible economic models of the press, reviewing the codes of ethics in the country, and conducting systematic research into the state of freedom of expression in the country. Botswana 2011 AMB The 2011 AMB noted that, despite positive changes to the country’s political environment, government media remained under the control of the executive, a journalists’ union had not yet been formed, journalists in public media continued to be harassed, diversity was lacking, and defamation laws were used against the media. It recommended MISAs involvement in passing the Access to Information Bill 23 AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER 11 YEARS IN REVIEW